VISITOR GUIDE

Transcription

1 VISITOR GUIDE 2016

2 A WARM WELCOME TO Our Family Home My wife and I are delighted to offer you a very warm welcome to Alnwick Castle, which has been my family s home for over 700 years. It is an important part of Britain s heritage; its walls are steeped in history and filled with tales of warfare, romance, and chivalry. This year we commemorate the 300th anniversary of the birth of Lancelot Capability Brown, whose magnificent achievements in the parkland and landscapes surrounding Alnwick Castle are celebrated in a new display. Brown s legacy is still evident in the superb views available to visitors from the Gun Terrace. On Christmas Day 2015, Alnwick Castle once again appeared as Brancaster Castle in Downton Abbey. The cast and crew returned to Alnwick in July 2015 to film for their final episode, and an exhibition in the State Rooms offers you the opportunity to view costumes, props and behind-the-scenes images. We hope that you enjoy your visit to our special home. Ralph Percy, 12th Duke of Northumberland Ralph Percy, 12th Duke of Northumberland (right), meeting the cast and crew of Downton Abbey on set. Your adventure begins here...

3 ENJOY A FUN FILLED Family Adventure! Step back in time and experience the colour and excitement of the castle s vibrant history, brought to life by our resident knights, ladies and artisans, together with a host of entertaining performers throughout the season. You might meet wizards, dragons, jesters and master falconers on your adventures! Young knights and princesses can get hands-on with history and enjoy dressing up, swordplay, medieval crafts and traditional games in Knight s Quest, before coming face to face with a fearsome Northumbrian beast in Dragon Quest.

4 ANOTHER CHAPTER IN OUR 1,000 Year Story Originally built in the Norman age as an imposing border fortress, from 1309 until the present day Alnwick Castle s story was to become intertwined with that of the Percy family, a family with a history as illustrious as the castle s own. The second largest inhabited castle in the UK, Alnwick has served as a military outpost, a teaching college, a refuge for evacuees, a film set, and not least as a family home. Delve deeper into this extraordinary history and travel through the centuries of this living, evolving castle.

5 THE MAGNIFICENT & INVITING State Rooms The castle s interiors were recreated in the 1850s by the 4th Duke of Northumberland into the lavish Italian Renaissance style that we see today, now boasting one of the country s finest private art and furniture collections. The remarkable collection includes works by Canaletto, Titian, Van Dyck, Turner, and Dobson; an extensive gallery of Meissen, Chelsea, and Paris porcelain; and the priceless Cucci Cabinets, originally created for Louis XIV of France.

6 THERE S SO MUCH TO SEE & DO! Seasonal Events POTTER-INSPIRED CHARACTERS Put on your best robe and bring your wand to these magic performances from our wizarding friends. Audience participation from young witches and wizards is encouraged! MEDIEVAL ALCHEMIST Meet Doctor John Greene, the (allegedly ) celebrated medieval alchemist, and discover his peculiar scientific apparatus and bizarre materials! Is he scientist, magician, swindler, or madman? Will he blow up Knight s Quest? KNIGHT SCHOOL Meet a band of courageous knights and try on authentic 11th-15th century replica armour, before watching daring combat displays as the knights fight for their honour and your favour. Be sure to cheer loudly for your favourite! ON ON SET WITH Downton Abbey In In July July 2015, the the cast cast and and crew of of Downton Abbey returned to to Alnwick Castle to to film film scenes for for the the 2015 Christmas special. A A week was was spent filming in in the the castle s State Rooms and and grounds to to produce scenes that that would feature in in Downton s final ever ever episode. Starring once again as as Brancaster Castle, Alnwick became the the spectacular new new home of of Bertie Pelham, and and the the location where the the future of of his his relationship with Lady Edith Crawley would finally be be decided. Visitors can can step step behind the the scenes of of the the filming at at Alnwick and and explore an an exhibition within the the castle s impressive Italianate State Rooms, featuring photography, costumes and and props from the the episode. MUSEUMS & EXHIBITIONS A Look into History WATERLOO EXHIBITION News of the victory and the loss of life in this most significant battle was written by Wellington and carried back to Britain by Major Henry Percy, the present Duke s ancestor. This exhibition tells his story and that of his journey. DOWNTON ABBEY EXHIBITION Explore costumes, photography, props, and stories from the filming of Downton Abbey at Alnwick Castle, with displays in the State Rooms and the Coach House. CAPABILITY BROWN During 2016, Alnwick Castle commemorates the achievements of Capability Brown on the 300th anniversary of his birth. See the changes made by Brown to the landscape around Alnwick Castle, and enjoy new opportunities to view his work. NORTHUMBERLAND FUSILIERS MUSEUM Discover fascinating stories of the endeavour, bravery, loss, and survival of the Northumberland Fusiliers, one of the country s oldest regiments. HARRY HOTSPUR EXHIBITION Delve into the extraordinary life of Alnwick Castle s most famous son, Harry Hotspur, the legendary medieval knight. PERCY TENANTRY MUSEUM Discover the personal histories of the Percy Tenantry Volunteers, raised by the 2nd Duke of Northumberland in case of invasion by Napoleon s army. ANTIQUITIES MUSEUM First opened to the public in 1826, this museum helped to promote the study of the archaeology of the North. Henry Percy, Waterloo Exhibition Behind the scenes with Downton Abbey

7 DON T MISS OUT! ALL FREE WITH ADMISSION Dates & Events MARCH 24th 29th 24th 25th 28th 29th 31st 30th 31st APRIL 1st 2nd 3rd 4th 7th 9th 10th 16th 17th 30th MAY 1st 2nd 14th 15th 21st 22nd 28th 31st 28th 30th JUNE 1st 3rd 5th 4th 5th 12th 18th 19th 25th 27th Company Of Artisans & Alchemy Jack, Raphael Falconry Knight School, Knight School, Raphael Falconry, Longbow Demonstration, Potter- Inspired Characters Knight School, Raphael Falconry, Longbow Demonstration, Potter- Inspired Characters Rosa Mundi Encampment, Longbow Demonstration Goblin Queen & Dragon Daily Activities JULY 9th 10th 16th 17th 16th 18th 18th 21st 23rd 24th 25th 29th 30th 31st AUGUST 1st 1st 3rd 5th 7th 6th 11th 6th 7th 12 14th 13th 17th 16th 20th 20th 21st 20th 22nd 22nd 24th 22nd 23rd 27th 31st ALNWICK CASTLE ON LOCATION TOURS, Raphael Falconry Company Of Artisans & Alchemy Jack, Knight School (Tournament), HISTORICAL GROUNDS TOURS BROOMSTICK TRAINING (free time-slot ticket required) KNIGHT S QUEST DRAGON QUEST THE LOST CELLARS (free time-slot ticket required, age 13+ only) STATE ROOM TOURS (excluding July and August) ARCHERY AND LASER CLAY SHOOTING (additional charges apply) Raphael Falconry Theatre Space NE (George & the Dragon) Raphael Falconry Knight School (Tournament), Raphael Falconry Longbow Demonstration SEPTEMBER 1st 3rd 3rd 4th 4th 10th 11th 25th OCTOBER 22nd 30th Company Of Artisans & Alchemy Jack 22nd 23rd Goblin Queen & Dragon 22nd 24th Your adventure begins here...

8 EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW Visitor Information OPENING TIMES Alnwick Castle is open from 24th March 30th October 2016 Grounds and museums (last entry 4.15pm) 10.00am 5.30pm State Rooms (Last entry 4.00pm, Chapel closes 2.30pm) 10.30am 4.30pm Knight s Quest and Dragon Quest 10.00am 5.00pm Gift Shop 10.00am 5.00pm Courtyard Café 10.00am 4.00pm Stables Fryery 11.30am 3.00pm Courtyard Barbeque Opening times vary GROUPS & SCHOOL VISITS Pre-booked groups of 14 or more visitors enjoy discounted admission and a host of other benefits. Please call or visit our website for details. FIND US Alnwick Castle is well signposted less than a mile off the A1, 36 miles from Newcastle and 87 miles from Edinburgh. Visit our website for transport information. WEDDINGS & EVENTS Alnwick Castle is a magnificent venue for weddings and corporate occasions. Please call or visit our website for details. ACCESSIBILITY Some areas of the castle and grounds have limited accessibility; please visit our website for full access statement. Free wheelchair and mobility scooter hire is available from Admissions. Dogs (except assistance dogs) are not permitted in the castle and grounds. CONTACT Alnwick Castle, Alnwick, Northumberland, NE66 1NQ Telephone: info@alnwickcastle.com All information correct at time of going to press. Alnwick Castle reserves the right to alter opening times and other arrangements without prior notice. Please check our website for the latest information.